Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 21:18-22:46; Mark 11:20-12:44; Luke 20:1-8, 19-40
Fast Facts
- It is important to note that the last week of Jesus’ life was made up of extremely full days! There was not much downtime. Each day Jesus would teach in the temple and spend the nights outside the city.
- The next day after Jesus cursed the fig tree (Tuesday), He and His disciples were passing by it on the way to Jerusalem. It had utterly withered away! Jesus used the miracle to teach His disciples lessons about faith, prayer, and forgiveness (Mark 11:20-26).
- Things were very hostile for Jesus in Jerusalem. Many of the scribes, Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees, would challenge His authority (Mark 11:27-33). They would also try to ask Him tough questions in front of large crowds to trip Him up and damage His influence. Each time Jesus would silence them and make them look foolish.
- The Herodians asked Jesus a controversial question about paying taxes (Mark 12:13-17).
- The Sadducees brought up a hypothetical situation regarding marriage and the resurrection (Mark 12:18-27).
- One of the scribes asked a question about the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28-34).
- Jesus also asked a question to the scribes and Pharisees (Mark 12:35-37). The question had to do with the Messiah coming through the lineage of King David. It was a question these religious leaders were unable to answer. After this, no one dared to ask Jesus any more questions!
- While in the temple, Jesus watched several rich people putting large sums of money in the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins (a tiny amount of money). Jesus said this widow gave more than all the others because she gave all that she had (Mark 12:41-44). The others gave their extra money.
- Jesus also taught several parables that had to do with God’s judgment on the wicked nation of Israel. These include the parable of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-32), the parable of the landowner (Matthew 21:33-40), and the parable of the marriage feast (Matthew 22:1-14).
Study Questions
- What did the disciples see when they passed by the fig tree Jesus cursed the day before?
- What lessons were the disciples to take away from the withered fig tree?
- Who challenged the authority of Jesus? Why did they do this?
- What question did the Herodians ask Jesus in an effort to trap Him? How did Jesus respond?
- What question did the Sadducees ask Jesus? What were they trying to accomplish with this question?
- In what way did Jesus say the Sadducees had erred?
- What question did the scribe ask Jesus? How did the Lord respond?
- What question did Jesus ask the scribes and Pharisees? How did they answer it?
- Why did Jesus praise the poor widow in the temple?
